Valencia sack Pako Ayestaran after less than six months as manager

Valencia sacked manager Pako Ayestaran on Tuesday after four straight defeats to open the season.

Ayestaran was appointed in March to replace Gary Neville, but the poor start to the campaign sealed his fate after Sunday's 2-1 loss at Athletic Bilbao.

A club statement said: "Following a meeting of the board of directors, Valencia Football Club have taken the decision to release Pako Ayestaran from his role as first team coach. The decision has been made after analysing the current sporting situation and results.

"While the Club is finalising the appointment of a new coach, full responsibility and confidence is placed in Salvador Gonzalez -- "Voro" - to take charge of the first team during this interim period.

"Valencia Football Club would like to thank Pako Ayestaran and his coaching staff for their commitment, effort and professionalism during their time in charge of the team. The club wish him and his team the best of luck for the future."